Method and system for cutting a material using a laser having adjustable beam characteristics

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus, and systems for perturbing a laser beam propagating within a first length of fiber to adjust one or more beam characteristics of the laser beam in the first length of fiber or a second length of fiber or a combination thereof, coupling the perturbed laser beam into a second length of fiber and maintaining at least a portion of one or more adjusted beam characteristics within a second length of fiber having.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of international applicationPCT/US2017/034848, filed May 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/401,650, filed Sep. 29, 2016. Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/607,411, filed May 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/401,650, filed Sep. 29, 2016. Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/607,410, filed May 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/401,650, filed Sep. 29, 2016. Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/607,399, filed May 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/401,650, filed Sep. 29, 2016. All of theabove applications are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology disclosed herein relates to fiber lasers andfiber-coupled lasers. More particularly, the disclosed technologyrelates to methods, apparatus, and systems for adjusting and maintainingadjusted optical beam (additionally termed “laser beam”) characteristics(spot size, divergence profile, spatial profile, or beam shape, or thelike or any combination thereof) at an output of a fiber laser orfiber-coupled laser.

BACKGROUND

The use of high-power fiber-coupled lasers continues to gain popularityfor a variety of applications, such as materials processing, cutting,welding, and/or additive manufacturing. These lasers include, forexample, fiber lasers, disk lasers, diode lasers, diode-pumped solidstate lasers, and lamp-pumped solid state lasers. In these systems,optical power is delivered from the laser to a work piece via an opticalfiber.

Various fiber-coupled laser materials processing tasks require differentbeam characteristics (e.g., spatial profiles and/or divergenceprofiles). For example, cutting thick metal and welding generallyrequire a larger spot size than cutting thin metal. Ideally, the laserbeam properties would be adjustable to enable optimized processing forthese different tasks. Conventionally, users have two choices: (1)Employ a laser system with fixed beam characteristics that can be usedfor different tasks but is not optimal for most of them (i.e., acompromise between performance and flexibility); or (2) Purchase a lasersystem or accessories that offer variable beam characteristics but thatadd significant cost, size, weight, complexity, and perhaps performancedegradation (e.g., optical loss) or reliability degradation (e.g.,reduced robustness or up-time). Currently available laser systemscapable of varying beam characteristics require the use of free-spaceoptics or other complex and expensive add-on mechanisms (e.g., zoomlenses, mirrors, translatable or motorized lenses, combiners, etc.) inorder to vary beam characteristics. No solution exists that provides thedesired adjustability in beam characteristics that minimizes oreliminates reliance on the use of free-space optics or other extracomponents that add significant penalties in terms of cost, complexity,performance, and/or reliability. What is needed is an in-fiber apparatusfor providing varying beam characteristics that does not require orminimizes the use of free-space optics and that can avoid significantcost, complexity, performance tradeoffs, and/or reliability degradation.

SUMMARY

At least disclosed herein are methods, systems and apparatus for varyingoptical beam characteristics. Methods may include, perturbing an opticalbeam propagating within a first length of fiber to adjust one or morebeam characteristics of the optical beam in the first length of fiber ora second length of fiber or a combination thereof, coupling theperturbed optical beam into a second length of fiber and maintaining atleast a portion of one or more adjusted beam characteristics within asecond length of fiber having one or more confinement regions. Methodsmay further include generating a selected output beam from the secondlength of fiber having the adjusted beam characteristics responsive to aselection of a first refractive index profile (RIP) of the first lengthof fiber or a second RIP of the second length of fiber or a combinationthereof. In some examples, the one or more beam characteristics of theperturbed optical beam are adjusted based on selection of one or morecore dimensions of the first length of fiber or one or more confinementregion dimensions of the second length of fiber or a combination thereofto generate an adjusted optical beam responsive to perturbing the firstlength of fiber, the adjusted optical beam having a particular adjusted:beam diameter, divergence distribution, beam parameter product (BPP),intensity distribution, luminance, M² value, numerical aperture (NA),optical intensity, power density, radial beam position, radiance, orspot size, or any combination thereof at an output of the second lengthof fiber. In some example, methods include perturbing the optical beamby bending the first length of fiber to alter a bend radius or alter alength of a bent region of the first length of fiber or a combinationthereof such that one or more modes of the optical beam are displacedradially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the first length offiber wherein the second length of fiber has an RIP that defines a firstconfinement region and a second confinement region. In some examples,the adjusted one or more beam characteristics are produced by confiningthe optical beam in the two or more confinement regions of the secondlength of fiber. The example methods may further comprise launching theperturbed optical beam from the first length of fiber into the firstconfinement region or the second confinement region or a combinationthereof such that one or more displaced modes of the optical beam areselectively coupled into and maintained in the first confinement regionor the second confinement region, or a combination thereof. Disclosedmethods may include, perturbing the one or more beam characteristics ofthe optical beam by perturbing the first length of fiber or the opticalbeam in the first length of fiber or a combination thereof to adjust atleast one beam characteristic of the optical beam at an output of thesecond length of fiber. Perturbing the first length of fiber may includebending, bending over a particular length, micro-bending, applyingacousto-optic excitation, thermal perturbation, stretching, or applyingpiezo-electric perturbation, or any combination thereof. The secondlength of fiber may comprise a first confinement region comprising acentral core and a second confinement region comprising an annular coreencompassing the first confinement region. Adjusting the one or morebeam characteristics of the optical beam may include selecting a RIP ofthe first length of fiber to generate a desired mode shape of a lowestorder mode, one or more higher order modes, or a combination thereofsubsequent to the adjusting. In some examples, the first length of fiberhas a core with a parabolic index profile radially spanning some or allof the core. A RIP of the first length of fiber may be selected toincrease or decrease a width of the lowest order mode, the higher ordermodes, or a combination thereof responsive to the perturbing the opticalbeam. The first length of fiber or the second length of fiber or acombination thereof may include at least one divergence structureconfigured to modify a divergence profile of the optical beam. Theconfinement regions may be separated by one or more cladding structures,wherein the divergence structure may be disposed within at least oneconfinement region separate from the cladding structure and comprisingmaterial having a lower index than the confinement region adjacent tothe divergence structure. In some examples, the second length of fibermay be azimuthally asymmetric.

Apparatus disclosed herein may include an optical beam delivery device,comprising a first length of fiber comprising a first RIP formed toenable modification of one or more beam characteristics of an opticalbeam by a perturbation device and a second length of fiber having asecond RIP coupled to the first length of fiber, the second RIP formedto confine at least a portion of the modified beam characteristics ofthe optical beam within one or more confinement regions. In someexamples, the first RIP and the second RIP are different. In someexamples, the second length of fiber comprises a plurality ofconfinement regions. The perturbation device may be coupled to the firstlength of fiber or integral with the first length of fiber or acombination thereof. The first length of fiber may comprise agraded-index RIP in at least a radially central portion and the secondlength of fiber has a first confinement region comprising a central coreand a second confinement region that is annular and encompasses thefirst confinement region. The first confinement region and the secondconfinement region may be separated by a cladding structure having arefractive index that is lower than the indexes of first confinementregion and the second confinement region. The cladding structure maycomprise a fluorosilicate material. The first length of fiber or thesecond length of fiber or a combination thereof may include at least onedivergence structure configured to modify a divergence profile of theoptical beam and wherein the divergence structure may comprise a firstmaterial having a lower index of refraction than a second materialencompassing the divergence structure. The second length of fiber may beazimuthally asymmetric and may comprise a first confinement regioncomprising a first core and a second confinement region comprising asecond core. In some examples, the first confinement region and thesecond confinement region may be coaxial. In other examples, the firstconfinement region and the second confinement region may be non-coaxial.The second confinement region may be crescent shaped in some examples.The first RIP may be parabolic in a first portion having a first radius.In some examples, the first RIP may be constant in a second portionhaving a second radius, wherein the second radius is larger than thefirst radius. The first RIP may comprise a radially graded indexextending to an edge of a core of the first length of fiber, wherein thefirst RIP is formed to increase or decrease a width of one or more modesof the optical beam responsive to the modification of the beamcharacteristics by the perturbation device. The first length of fibermay have a radially graded index core extending to a first radiusfollowed by a constant index portion extending to a second radius,wherein the second radius is larger than the first radius. In someexamples, the second length of fiber comprises a central core having adiameter in a range of about 0 to 100 microns, a first annual coreencompassing the central core having a diameter in a range of about 10to 600 microns and a second annual core having a diameter in a range ofabout 20 to 1200 microns. The perturbation device may comprise a bendingassembly configured to alter a bend radius or alter a bend length of thefirst length of fiber or a combination thereof to modify the beamcharacteristics of the optical beam. In some examples, a perturbationassembly may comprise a bending assembly, a mandrel, micro-bend in thefiber, an acousto-optic transducer, a thermal device, a fiber stretcher,or a piezo-electric device, or any combination thereof. The first lengthof fiber and the second length of fiber may be separate passive fibersthat are spliced together.

Systems disclosed herein may include, an optical beam delivery system,comprising an optical fiber including a first and second length of fiberand an optical system coupled to the second length of fiber includingone or more free-space optics configured to receive and transmit anoptical beam comprising modified beam characteristics. The first lengthof fiber may include a first RIP formed to enable, at least in part,modification of one or more beam characteristics of an optical beam by aperturbation assembly arranged to modify the one or more beamcharacteristics, the perturbation assembly may be coupled to the firstlength of fiber or integral with the first length of fiber, or acombination thereof. The second length of fiber may be coupled to thefirst length of fiber and may include a second RIP formed to preserve atleast a portion of the one or more beam characteristics of the opticalbeam modified by the perturbation assembly within one or more firstconfinement regions. In some examples, the first RIP and the second RIPare different.

The optical beam delivery system may further include a first processfiber coupled between a first process head and the optical system,wherein the first process fiber is configured to receive the opticalbeam comprising the modified one or more beam characteristics. The firstprocess fiber may comprise a third RIP configured to preserve at least aportion of the modified one or more beam characteristics of the opticalbeam within one or more second confinement regions of the first processfiber. In an example, at least a portion of the free-space optics may beconfigured to further modify the modified one or more beamcharacteristics of the optical beam. The one or more beamcharacteristics may include beam diameter, divergence distribution, BPP,intensity distribution, luminance, M² value, NA, optical intensity,power density, radial beam position, radiance, or spot size, or anycombination thereof. The third RIP may be the same as or different fromthe second RIP. The third RIP may be configured to further modify themodified one or more beam characteristics of the optical beam. In someexamples, at least one of the one or more second confinement regionsincludes at least one divergence structure configured to modify adivergence profile of the optical beam. The divergence structure maycomprise an area of lower-index material than that of the secondconfinement region.

The optical beam delivery system may further include a second processfiber having a fourth RIP that is coupled between the optical system anda second process head, wherein the second process fiber may beconfigured to receive the optical beam comprising the modified one ormore beam characteristics within one or more second confinement regionsof the second process fiber. In some examples, the first process fiberor the second process fiber or a combination thereof may be configuredto further modify the modified one or more beam characteristics of theoptical beam. The second process fiber may include at least onedivergence structure configured to modify a divergence profile of theoptical beam. The second process fiber may comprise a central coresurrounded by at least one of the one or more second confinementregions, wherein the core and the second confinement region areseparated by a cladding structure having a first index of refractionthat is lower than a second index of refraction of the central core anda third index of refraction of the second confinement region, whereinthe second confinement region may include the at least one divergencestructure. The at least one divergence structure may comprise an area oflower-index material than that of the second confinement region. In anexample, the second RIP may be different from the third RIP or thefourth RIP or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the second RIP maybe the same as the third RIP or the fourth RIP or a combination thereof.The one or more beam characteristics that may be modified can includebeam diameter, divergence distribution, BPP, intensity distribution,luminance, M² value, NA, optical intensity, power density, radial beamposition, radiance, or spot size, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, at least a portion of the free-space optics may beconfigured to further modify the modified one or more beamcharacteristics of the optical beam. The first process fiber may becoupled between a first process head and the optical system, wherein thefirst process fiber is configured to receive the optical beam comprisingtwice modified one or more beam characteristics. The first process fibermay have a third RIP configured to preserve at least a portion of thetwice modified one or more beam characteristics of the optical beamwithin one or more second confinement regions of the first processfiber. The third RIP may be different from the second RIP, wherein thethird RIP is configured to further modify the twice modified one or morebeam characteristics of the optical beam.

In some examples, the first process fiber may include a divergencestructure configured to further modify the twice modified one or morebeam characteristics of the optical beam. In some examples, a secondprocess fiber may be coupled between the optical system and a secondprocess head, wherein the second process fiber is configured to receivethe twice modified one or more beam characteristics.

In some examples, the first process fiber or the second process fiber ora combination thereof is configured to further modify the twice modifiedone or more beam characteristics of the optical beam. The first processfiber or the second process fiber or a combination thereof may includeat least one divergence structure configured to further modify the twicemodified one or more beam characteristics of the optical beam. Theoptical system may be a fiber-to-fiber coupler, a fiber-to-fiber switchor a process head, or the like or a combination thereof.

In some examples, a method of cutting a material using a laser isdisclosed. The method comprises providing an optical beam propagatingwithin a first length of fiber to adjust one or more beamcharacteristics of the optical beam in the first length of fiber or asecond length of fiber or a combination thereof; coupling the providedoptical beam into the second length of fiber; maintaining at least aportion of one or more adjusted beam characteristics within the secondlength of fiber having at least one confinement region; directing theprovided optical beam from the second length of fiber to a targetlocation on the material to pierce a depth of the material, wherein theprovided optical beam has a first characteristic spot size, divergence,spatial profile, divergence profile, or combinations thereof at thetarget location during piercing; determining that the provided opticalbeam has reached a predetermined depth of the material at the targetlocation; and perturbing the provided optical beam to change the firstcharacteristic spot size, divergence, spatial profile, divergenceprofile, or combinations thereof to a second characteristic spot size,divergence, spatial profile, divergence profile, or combinations thereofbased on the determining to cut the material.

In some examples, the one or more beam characteristics comprise a beamdiameter, a divergence distribution, a beam parameter product (BPP), anintensity distribution, a luminance, a M² value, a numerical aperture(NA), an optical intensity, a power density, a radial beam position, aradiance, a spot size, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, subsequent to the perturbing the optical beam tochange the first characteristic to the second characteristic, moving theperturbed optical beam with the second characteristic relative to thetarget location to cut the material in a cut direction.

In some examples, the moving comprises modulating the one or more beamcharacteristics of the perturbed optical beam.

In some examples, the modulating comprises optimizing a speed at whicheither the material is moved relative to the perturbed optical beam orthe perturbed optical beam is moved relative to the material to performa cut.

In some examples, the method further comprises changing a speed at whichthe material is cut based on a change in the cut direction.

In some examples, the modulating the one or more beam characteristic isperformed by optimizing a temperature of the material during cutting.

In some examples, the method can further comprises providing an assistgas to the target location to assist in removal of debris from thematerial and/or add energy to the cut.

In some examples, the predetermined depth of the provided optical beamcan be determined based on a sensor, i.e., an optical sensor, or arecipe that takes into account one or more properties of the materialbeing cut including a thickness of the material and the type of materialand/or one or more properties of the perturbed optical beam.

In some examples, a system for cutting a material using a laser isdisclosed. The system comprises a laser device comprising a first lengthof fiber comprising a first refractive index profile (RIP) formed toenable modification of one or more beam characteristics of an opticalbeam by a perturbation device and a second length of fiber having asecond RIP coupled to the first length of fiber, the second RIP formedto confine at least a portion of the modified beam characteristics ofthe laser beam within one or more confinement regions, wherein the firstRIP and the second RIP are different, wherein the laser device isconfigured to direct the laser beam to a target location on the materialto pierce a depth of the material by perturbing one or more beamcharacteristics of the laser beam; and a control system configured tochange the first characteristic of the one or more beam characteristicsto a second characteristic.

In some examples, the one or more beam characteristics can bepre-programmed into the control system and/or the laser system. In someexamples, an end portion of the second length of fiber, aka a cuttinghead, can include a sensor that is configured to measure stray lightthat is reflected of the material being cut. During the cutting process,if there is a change in cutting conditions, such as a failed cut, thesensor can detect the reflected light and send a signal to the controlsystem and/or the laser system to adjust one or more parameters in thecutting process, such as reducing a cutting speed to regain the cutand/or adjusting the laser beam to make the spot size of the laser beamsmaller to increase the power intensity to regain the cut beforeresuming normal cutting operations once the cut has been regained. Insome examples, the control system can be configured to move the laserbeam relative to the target location to cut the material in a cutdirection. For example, the laser can be moved using a variety ofmethods including, but are not limited to: a cutting head fixed to anXYZ gantry system, a cutting head fixed to a moveable Z gantry with thematerial being cut (target piece) moving in XY relative to the cuttinghead, a fixed target with a cutting head on a multi-axis robot forremote cutting, a fixed target with a scanner-based delivery systemfixed to a moveable XYZ gantry system, a fixed target with ascanner-based system mounted to a multi-axis robot, and a fixedscanner-based system with the target mobile in XYZ relative to thescanner. In some examples, the control system is configured to controlthe one or more beam characteristics of the laser beam while the opticalbeam is moved relative to the material. For example, the control systemcan send a control signal to the perturbation device to perturb thefirst length of fiber, the second length of fiber, or both. In someexamples, the control system is configured to optimize a speed at whichthe material is moved relative to the laser beam to perform a cut. Insome examples, the control system is configured to change a speed atwhich the material is cut based on a change in the cut direction. Insome examples, the control system is configured to optimize the laserbeam to maintain a temperature of the material during cutting.

In some examples, the system further comprises a support structureconfigured to support the material. In some examples, the system furthercomprises an actuation unit configured to actuate the support structurein one or more degrees of freedom.

In some examples, the system further comprises an assist gas supplyconfigured to provide an assist gas to the target location to assist inremoval of debris from the material.

In some examples, in the method according to paragraph [0013], the oneor more beam characteristics comprise a beam diameter, a divergencedistribution, a beam parameter product (BPP), an intensity distribution,a luminance, a M² value, a numerical aperture (NA), an opticalintensity, a power density, a radial beam position, a radiance, a spotsize, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, in the method according to paragraphs [0013] and/or[0026], subsequent to the perturbing the laser beam to change the firstcharacteristic to the second characteristic, the method includes movingthe perturbed laser beam with the second characteristic relative to thetarget location to cut the material in a cut direction.

In some examples, in the method according to any of paragraphs [0013],[0026], and [0027], the moving comprises modulating the one or more beamcharacteristics of the perturbed laser beam.

In some examples, in the method according to any of paragraphs [0013],[0026]-[0028], the modulating comprises optimizing a speed at whicheither the material is moved relative to the perturbed laser beam or theperturbed laser beam is moved relative to the material to perform a cut.

In some examples, in the method according to any of paragraphs [0013],[0026]-[0029], the method can further comprise changing a speed at whichthe material is cut based on a change in the cut direction.

In some examples, in the method according to any of paragraphs [0013],[0026]-[0030], the modulating the one or more beam characteristics isperformed by optimizing a temperature of the material during cutting.

In some examples, in the method according to any of paragraphs [0013],[0026]-[0031], the method can further comprise providing an assist gasto the target location to assist in removal of debris from the material,or add energy to the cut, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, in the system of paragraph [0022], the one or morebeam characteristics comprise a beam diameter, a divergencedistribution, a beam parameter product (BPP), an intensity distribution,a luminance, a M² value, a numerical aperture (NA), an opticalintensity, a power density, a radial beam position, a radiance, a spotsize, or any combination thereof.

In some example, in the system of paragraph [0022] and/or paragraph[0033], the control system is configured to move the laser beam relativeto the target location to cut the material in a cut direction.

In some examples, in the system according to any of paragraphs [0022],[0033], [0034], the control system is configured to control the one ormore beam characteristics of the laser beam while the laser beam ismoved relative to the material.

In some examples, in the system according to any of paragraphs [0022],[0033]-[0035], the control system is configured to optimize a speed atwhich the material is moved relative to the laser beam to perform a cut.

In some examples, in the system according to any of paragraphs [0022],[0033]-[0036], the control system is configured to change a speed atwhich the material is cut based on a change in the cut direction.

In some examples, in the system according to any of paragraphs [0022],[0033]-[0037], the control system is configured to optimize the laserbeam to maintain a temperature of the material during cutting.

In some examples, in the system according to any of paragraphs [0022],[0033]-[0038], the system can further comprises a support structureconfigured to support the material.

In some examples, in the system according to any of paragraphs [0022],[0033]-[0039], the system can further comprise an actuation unitconfigured to actuate the support structure in one or more degrees offreedom.

In some examples, in the system according to any of paragraphs [0022],[0033]-[0040], the system can further comprise an assist gas supplyconfigured to provide an assist gas to the target location to assist inremoval of debris from the material, or add energy to the cut, or anycombinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike elements, are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification and, together with the description, explain the advantagesand principles of the presently disclosed technology. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates an example fiber structure for providing a laser beamhaving variable beam characteristics;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example fiber structure fordelivering a beam with variable beam characteristics;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method of perturbing a fiber structure forproviding a beam having variable beam characteristics;

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the calculated spatial profile of thelowest-order mode (LP₀₁) for a first length of a fiber for differentfiber bend radii;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a two-dimensional intensitydistribution at a junction when a fiber for varying beam characteristicsis nearly straight;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a two-dimensional intensitydistribution at a junction when a fiber for varying beam characteristicsis bent with a radius chosen to preferentially excite a particularconfinement region of a second length of fiber;

FIGS. 7-10 depict experimental results to illustrate further outputbeams for various bend radii of a fiber for varying beam characteristicsshown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate cross-sectional views of example first lengths offiber for enabling adjustment of beam characteristics in a fiberassembly;

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate cross-sectional views of example second lengthsof fiber (“confinement fibers”) for confining adjusted beamcharacteristics in a fiber assembly;

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate cross-sectional views of example secondlengths of fiber for changing a divergence angle of and confining anadjusted beam in a fiber assembly configured to provide variable beamcharacteristics;

FIG. 22A illustrates an example laser system including a fiber assemblyconfigured to provide variable beam characteristics disposed between afeeding fiber and process head;

FIG. 22B illustrates an example a laser system including a fiberassembly configured to provide variable beam characteristics disposedbetween a feeding fiber and process head;

FIG. 23 illustrates an example laser system including a fiber assemblyconfigured to provide variable beam characteristics disposed between afeeding fiber and multiple process fibers;

FIG. 24 illustrates examples of various perturbation assemblies forproviding variable beam characteristics according to various examplesprovided herein;

FIG. 25 illustrates an example process for adjusting and maintainingmodified characteristics of an optical beam;

FIGS. 26-28 are cross-sectional views illustrating example secondlengths of fiber (“confinement fibers”) for confining adjusted beamcharacteristics in a fiber assembly.

FIG. 29 shows a laser processing during a pierce, where the laser beamfirst drills a hole through the material, according to examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 30 shows laser processing during a transition from the pierce to acut, according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 shows laser processing once cutting has been stabilized,according to examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 shows a plot of temperature versus dimension in view of thelaser spot travel direction;

FIG. 33 shows a plot of temperature versus dimension when the lasersystem cuts corners in the material;

FIG. 34 shows a plot of temperature versus dimension when the lasersystem cuts corners in the material and the beam parameters in the lasersystem is controlled in a way that optimizes the metal temperaturethroughout the cutting region to its optimum;

FIG. 35 shows a method of cutting a material using the laser, accordingto examples of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 36-40 shows screen shots of a display of a controller of the lasersystem showing various adjustable parameters of the laser system,according to examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 41 show a block diagram of a system, according to examples of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein throughout this disclosure and in the claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes”means “comprises.” Further, the term “coupled” does not exclude thepresence of intermediate elements between the coupled items. Also, theterms “modify” and “adjust” are used interchangeably to mean “alter.”

The systems, apparatus, and methods described herein should not beconstrued as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure isdirected toward all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of thevarious disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations andsub-combinations with one another. The disclosed systems, methods, andapparatus are not limited to any specific aspect or feature orcombinations thereof, nor do the disclosed systems, methods, andapparatus require that any one or more specific advantages be present orproblems be solved. Any theories of operation are to facilitateexplanation, but the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus are notlimited to such theories of operation.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are describedin a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it shouldbe understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement,unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forthbelow. For example, operations described sequentially may in some casesbe rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake ofsimplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in whichthe disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus can be used in conjunctionwith other systems, methods, and apparatus. Additionally, thedescription sometimes uses terms like “produce” and “provide” todescribe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractionsof the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations thatcorrespond to these terms will vary depending on the particularimplementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus are referred to as“lowest”, “best”, “minimum,” or the like. It will be appreciated thatsuch descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among manyused functional alternatives can be made, and such selections need notbe better, smaller, or otherwise preferable to other selections.Examples are described with reference to directions indicated as“above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and the like. These terms are usedfor convenient description, but do not imply any particular spatialorientation.

Definitions

Definitions of words and terms as used herein:

-   1. The term “beam characteristics” refers to one or more of the    following terms used to describe an optical beam. In general, the    beam characteristics of most interest depend on the specifics of the    application or optical system.-   2. The term “beam diameter” is defined as the distance across the    center of the beam along an axis for which the irradiance    (intensity) equals 1/e² of the maximum irradiance. While examples    disclosed herein generally use beams that propagate in azimuthally    symmetric modes, elliptical or other beam shapes can be used, and    beam diameter can be different along different axes. Circular beams    are characterized by a single beam diameter. Other beam shapes can    have different beam diameters along different axes.-   3. The term “spot size” is the radial distance (radius) from the    center point of maximum irradiance to the 1/e² point.-   4. The term “beam divergence distribution” is the power vs the full    cone angle. This quantity is sometimes called the “angular    distribution” or “NA distribution.”-   5. The term “beam parameter product” (BPP) of a laser beam is    defined as the product of the beam radius (measured at the beam    waist) and the beam divergence half-angle (measured in the far    field). The units of BPP are typically mm-mrad.-   6. A “confinement fiber” is defined to be a fiber that possesses one    or more confinement regions, wherein a confinement region comprises    a higher-index region (core region) surrounded by a lower-index    region (cladding region). The RIP of a confinement fiber may include    one or more higher-index regions (core regions) surrounded by    lower-index regions (cladding regions), wherein light is guided in    the higher-index regions. Each confinement region and each cladding    region can have any RIP, including but not limited to step-index and    graded-index. The confinement regions may or may not be concentric    and may be a variety of shapes such as circular, annular, polygonal,    arcuate, elliptical, or irregular, or the like or any combination    thereof. The confinement regions in a particular confinement fiber    may all have the same shape or may be different shapes. Moreover,    confinement regions may be co-axial or may have offset axes with    respect to one another. Confinement regions may be of uniform    thickness about a central axis in the longitudinal direction, or the    thicknesses may vary about the central axis in the longitudinal    direction.-   7. The term “intensity distribution” refers to optical intensity as    a function of position along a line (1D profile) or on a plane (2D    profile). The line or plane is usually taken perpendicular to the    propagation direction of the light. It is a quantitative property.-   8. “Luminance” is a photometric measure of the luminous intensity    per unit area of light travelling in a given direction.-   9. “M² factor” (also called “beam quality factor” or “beam    propagation factor”) is a dimensionless parameter for quantifying    the beam quality of laser beams, with M²=1 being a    diffraction-limited beam, and larger M2 values corresponding to    lower beam quality. M² is equal to the BPP divided by λ/π, where λ    is the wavelength of the beam in microns (if BPP is expressed in    units of mm-mrad).-   10. The term “numerical aperture” or “NA” of an optical system is a    dimensionless number that characterizes the range of angles over    which the system can accept or emit light.-   11. The term “optical intensity” is not an official (SI) unit, but    is used to denote incident power per unit area on a surface or    passing through a plane.-   12. The term “power density” refers to optical power per unit area,    although this is also referred to as “optical intensity.”-   13. The term “radial beam position” refers to the position of a beam    in a fiber measured with respect to the center of the fiber core in    a direction perpendicular to the fiber axis.-   14. “Radiance” is the radiation emitted per unit solid angle in a    given direction by a unit area of an optical source (e.g., a laser).    Radiance may be altered by changing the beam intensity distribution    and/or beam divergence profile or distribution. The ability to vary    the radiance profile of a laser beam implies the ability to vary the    BPP.-   15. The term “refractive-index profile” or “RIP” refers to the    refractive index as a function of position along a line (1D) or in a    plane (2D) perpendicular to the fiber axis. Many fibers are    azimuthally symmetric, in which case the 1D RIP is identical for any    azimuthal angle.-   16. A “step-index fiber” has a RIP that is flat (refractive index    independent of position) within the fiber core.-   17. A “graded-index fiber” has a RIP in which the refractive index    decreases with increasing radial position (i.e., with increasing    distance from the center of the fiber core).-   18. A “parabolic-index fiber” is a specific case of a graded-index    fiber in which the refractive index decreases quadratically with    increasing distance from the center of the fiber core.

Fiber for Varying Beam Characteristics

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus configured toprovide a fiber operable to provide a laser beam having variable beamcharacteristics (VBC) that may reduce cost, complexity, optical loss, orother drawbacks of the conventional methods described above. This VBCfiber is configured to vary a wide variety of optical beamcharacteristics. Such beam characteristics can be controlled using theVBC fiber thus allowing users to tune various beam characteristics tosuit the particular requirements of an extensive variety of laserprocessing applications. For example, a VBC fiber may be used to tune:beam diameter, beam divergence distribution, BPP, intensitydistribution, M² factor, NA, optical intensity, power density, radialbeam position, radiance, spot size, or the like, or any combinationthereof.

In general, the disclosed technology entails coupling a laser beam intoa fiber in which the characteristics of the laser beam in the fiber canbe adjusted by perturbing the laser beam and/or perturbing a firstlength of fiber by any of a variety of methods (e.g., bending the fiberor introducing one or more other perturbations) and fully or partiallymaintaining adjusted beam characteristics in a second length of fiber.The second length of fiber is specially configured to maintain and/orfurther modify the adjusted beam characteristics. In some cases, thesecond length of fiber preserves the adjusted beam characteristicsthrough delivery of the laser beam to its ultimate use (e.g., materialsprocessing). The first and second lengths of fiber may comprise the sameor different fibers.

The disclosed technology is compatible with fiber lasers andfiber-coupled lasers. Fiber-coupled lasers typically deliver an outputvia a delivery fiber having a step-index refractive index profile (RIP),i.e., a flat or constant refractive index within the fiber core. Inreality, the RIP of the delivery fiber may not be perfectly flat,depending on the design of the fiber. Important parameters are the fibercore diameter (d_(core)) and NA. The core diameter is typically in therange of 10-1000 micron (although other values are possible), and the NAis typically in the range of 0.06-0.22 (although other values arepossible). A delivery fiber from the laser may be routed directly to theprocess head or work piece, or it may be routed to a fiber-to-fibercoupler (FFC) or fiber-to-fiber switch (FFS), which couples the lightfrom the delivery fiber into a process fiber that transmits the beam tothe process head or the work piece.

Most materials processing tools, especially those at high power (>1 kW),employ multimode (MM) fiber, but some employ single-mode (SM) fiber,which is at the lower end of the d_(core) and NA ranges. The beamcharacteristics from a SM fiber are uniquely determined by the fiberparameters. The beam characteristics from a MM fiber, however, can vary(unit-to-unit and/or as a function of laser power and time), dependingon the beam characteristics from the laser source(s) coupled into thefiber, the launching or splicing conditions into the fiber, the fiberRIP, and the static and dynamic geometry of the fiber (bending, coiling,motion, micro-bending, etc.). For both SM and MM delivery fibers, thebeam characteristics may not be optimum for a given materials processingtask, and it is unlikely to be optimum for a range of tasks, motivatingthe desire to be able to systematically vary the beam characteristics inorder to customize or optimize them for a particular processing task.

In one example, the VBC fiber may have a first length and a secondlength and may be configured to be interposed as an in-fiber devicebetween the delivery fiber and the process head to provide the desiredadjustability of the beam characteristics. To enable adjustment of thebeam, a perturbation device and/or assembly is disposed in closeproximity to and/or coupled with the VBC fiber and is responsible forperturbing the beam in a first length such that the beam'scharacteristics are altered in the first length of fiber, and thealtered characteristics are preserved or further altered as the beampropagates in the second length of fiber. The perturbed beam is launchedinto a second length of the VBC fiber configured to conserve adjustedbeam characteristics. The first and second lengths of fiber may be thesame or different fibers and/or the second length of fiber may comprisea confinement fiber. The beam characteristics that are conserved by thesecond length of VBC fiber may include any of: beam diameter, beamdivergence distribution, BPP, intensity distribution, luminance, M²factor, NA, optical intensity, power density, radial beam position,radiance, spot size, or the like, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example VBC fiber 100 for providing a laser beamhaving variable beam characteristics without requiring the use offree-space optics to change the beam characteristics. VBC fiber 100comprises a first length of fiber 104 and a second length of fiber 108.First length of fiber 104 and second length of fiber 108 may be the sameor different fibers and may have the same or different RIPs. The firstlength of fiber 104 and the second length of fiber 108 may be joinedtogether by a splice. First length of fiber 104 and second length offiber 108 may be coupled in other ways, may be spaced apart, or may beconnected via an interposing component such as another length of fiber,free-space optics, glue, index-matching material, or the like or anycombination thereof.

A perturbation device 110 is disposed proximal to and/or envelopsperturbation region 106. Perturbation device 110 may be a device,assembly, in-fiber structure, and/or other feature. Perturbation device110 at least perturbs optical beam 102 in first length of fiber 104 orsecond length of fiber 108 or a combination thereof in order to adjustone or more beam characteristics of optical beam 102. Adjustment of beam102 responsive to perturbation by perturbation device 110 may occur infirst length of fiber 104 or second length of fiber 108 or a combinationthereof. Perturbation region 106 may extend over various widths and mayor may not extend into a portion of second length of fiber 108. As beam102 propagates in VBC fiber 100, perturbation device 110 may physicallyact on VBC fiber 100 to perturb the fiber and adjust the characteristicsof beam 102. Alternatively, perturbation device 110 may act directly onbeam 102 to alter its beam characteristics. Subsequent to beingadjusted, perturbed beam 112 has different beam characteristics thanbeam 102, which will be fully or partially conserved in second length offiber 108. In another example, perturbation device 110 need not bedisposed near a splice. Moreover, a splice may not be needed at all, forexample VBC fiber 100 may be a single fiber, first length of fiber andsecond length of fiber could be spaced apart, or secured with a smallgap (air-spaced or filled with an optical material, such as opticalcement or an index-matching material).

Perturbed beam 112 is launched into second length of fiber 108, whereperturbed beam 112 characteristics are largely maintained or continue toevolve as perturbed beam 112 propagates yielding the adjusted beamcharacteristics at the output of second length of fiber 108. In oneexample, the new beam characteristics may include an adjusted intensitydistribution. In an example, an altered beam intensity distribution willbe conserved in various structurally bounded confinement regions ofsecond length of fiber 108. Thus, the beam intensity distribution may betuned to a desired beam intensity distribution optimized for aparticular laser processing task. In general, the intensity distributionof perturbed beam 112 will evolve as it propagates in the second lengthof fiber 108 to fill the confinement region(s) into which perturbed beam112 is launched responsive to conditions in first length of fiber 104and perturbation caused by perturbation device 110. In addition, theangular distribution may evolve as the beam propagates in the secondfiber, depending on launch conditions and fiber characteristics. Ingeneral, fibers largely preserve the input divergence distribution, butthe distribution can be broadened if the input divergence distributionis narrow and/or if the fiber has irregularities or deliberate featuresthat perturb the divergence distribution. The various confinementregions, perturbations, and fiber features of second length of fiber 108are described in greater detail below. Beams 102 and 112 are conceptualabstractions intended to illustrate how a beam may propagate through aVBC fiber 100 for providing variable beam characteristics and are notintended to closely model the behavior of a particular optical beam.

VBC fiber 100 may be manufactured by a variety of methods including PCVD(Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition), OVD (Outside Vapor Deposition), VAD(Vapor Axial Deposition), MOCVD (Metal-Organic Chemical VaporDeposition.) and/or DND (Direct Nanoparticle Deposition). VBC fiber 100may comprise a variety of materials. For example, VBC fiber 100 maycomprise SiO₂, SiO₂ doped with GeO₂, germanosilicate, phosphoruspentoxide, phosphosilicate, Al₂O₃, aluminosilicate, or the like or anycombinations thereof. Confinement regions may be bounded by claddingdoped with fluorine, boron, or the like or any combinations thereof.Other dopants may be added to active fibers, including rare-earth ionssuch as Er³⁺ (erbium), Yb³⁺ (ytterbium), Nd³⁺ (neodymium), Tm³⁺(thulium), Ho³⁺ (holmium), or the like or any combination thereof.Confinement regions may be bounded by cladding having a lower index thanthe confinement region with fluorine or boron doping. Alternatively, VBCfiber 100 may comprise photonic crystal fibers or micro-structuredfibers.

VBC fiber 100 is suitable for use in any of a variety of fiber, fiberoptic, or fiber laser devices, including continuous wave and pulsedfiber lasers, disk lasers, solid state lasers, or diode lasers (pulserate unlimited except by physical constraints). Furthermore,implementations in a planar waveguide or other types of waveguides andnot just fibers are within the scope of the claimed technology.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example VBC fiber 200 foradjusting beam characteristics of an optical beam. In an example, VBCfiber 200 may be a process fiber because it may deliver the beam to aprocess head for material processing. VBC fiber 200 comprises a firstlength of fiber 204 spliced at junction 206 to a second length of fiber208. A perturbation assembly 210 is disposed proximal to junction 206.Perturbation assembly 210 may be any of a variety of devices configuredto enable adjustment of the beam characteristics of an optical beam 202propagating in VBC fiber 200. In an example, perturbation assembly 210may be a mandrel and/or another device that may provide means of varyingthe bend radius and/or bend length of VBC fiber 200 near the splice.Other examples of perturbation devices are discussed below with respectto FIG. 24.

In an example, first length of fiber 204 has a parabolic-index RIP 212as indicated by the left RIP graph. Most of the intensity distributionof beam 202 is concentrated in the center of fiber 204 when fiber 204 isstraight or nearly straight. Second length of fiber 208 is a confinementfiber having RIP 214 as shown in the right RIP graph. Second length offiber 208 includes confinement regions 216, 218 and 220. Confinementregion 216 is a central core surrounded by two annular (or ring-shaped)confinement regions 218 and 220. Layers 222 and 224 are structuralbarriers of lower index material between confinement regions (216, 218and 220), commonly referred to as “cladding” regions. In one example,layers 222 and 224 may comprise rings of fluorosilicate; in someembodiments, the fluorosilicate cladding layers are relatively thin.Other materials may be used as well and claimed subject matter is notlimited in this regard.

In an example, as beam 202 propagates along VBC fiber 200, perturbationassembly 210 may physically act on fiber 208 and/or beam 202 to adjustits beam characteristics and generate adjusted beam 226. In the currentexample, the intensity distribution of beam 202 is modified byperturbation assembly 210. Subsequent to adjustment of beam 202 theintensity distribution of adjusted beam 226 may be concentrated in outerconfinement regions 218 and 220 with relatively little intensity in thecentral confinement region 216. Because each of confinement regions 216,218, and/or 220 is isolated by the thin layers of lower index materialin barrier layers 222 and 224, second length of fiber 208 cansubstantially maintain the adjusted intensity distribution of adjustedbeam 226. The beam will typically become distributed azimuthally withina given confinement region but will not transition (significantly)between the confinement regions as it propagates along the second lengthof fiber 208. Thus, the adjusted beam characteristics of adjusted beam226 are largely conserved within the isolated confinement regions 216,218, and/or 220. In some cases, it be may desirable to have the beam 226power divided among the confinement regions 216, 218, and/or 220 ratherthan concentrated in a single region, and this condition may be achievedby generating an appropriately adjusted beam 226.

In one example, core confinement region 216 and annular confinementregions 218 and 220 may be composed of fused silica glass, and cladding222 and 224 defining the confinement regions may be composed offluorosilicate glass. Other materials may be used to form the variousconfinement regions (216, 218 and 220), including germanosilicate,phosphosilicate, aluminosilicate, or the like, or a combination thereofand claimed subject matter is not so limited. Other materials may beused to form the barrier rings (222 and 224), including fused silica,borosilicate, or the like or a combination thereof, and claimed subjectmatter is not so limited. In other embodiments, the optical fibers orwaveguides include or are composed of various polymers or plastics orcrystalline materials. Generally, the core confinement regions haverefractive indices that are greater than the refractive indices ofadjacent barrier/cladding regions.

In some examples, it may be desirable to increase a number ofconfinement regions in a second length of fiber to increase granularityof beam control over beam displacements for fine-tuning a beam profile.For example, confinement regions may be configured to provide stepwisebeam displacement.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method of perturbing fiber 200 forproviding variable beam characteristics of an optical beam. Changing thebend radius of a fiber may change the radial beam position, divergenceangle, and/or radiance profile of a beam within the fiber. The bendradius of VBC fiber 200 can be decreased from a first bend radius R1 toa second bend radius R2 about splice junction 206 by using a steppedmandrel or cone as the perturbation assembly 210. Additionally oralternatively, the engagement length on the mandrel(s) or cone can bevaried. Rollers 250 may be employed to engage VBC fiber 200 acrossperturbation assembly 210. In an example, an amount of engagement ofrollers 250 with fiber 200 has been shown to shift the distribution ofthe intensity profile to the outer confinement regions 218 and 220 offiber 200 with a fixed mandrel radius. There are a variety of othermethods for varying the bend radius of fiber 200, such as using aclamping assembly, flexible tubing, or the like, or a combinationthereof, and claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard. Inanother example, for a particular bend radius the length over which VBCfiber 200 is bent can also vary beam characteristics in a controlled andreproducible way. In examples, changing the bend radius and/or lengthover which the fiber is bent at a particular bend radius also modifiesthe intensity distribution of the beam such that one or more modes maybe shifted radially away from the center of a fiber core.

Maintaining the bend radius of the fibers across junction 206 ensuresthat the adjusted beam characteristics such as radial beam position andradiance profile of optical beam 202 will not return to beam 202'sunperturbed state before being launched into second length of fiber 208.Moreover, the adjusted radial beam characteristics, including position,divergence angle, and/or intensity distribution, of adjusted beam 226can be varied based on an extent of decrease in the bend radius and/orthe extent of the bent length of VBC fiber 200. Thus, specific beamcharacteristics may be obtained using this method.

In the current example, first length of fiber 204 having first RIP 212is spliced at junction 206 to a second length of fiber 208 having asecond RIP 214. However, it is possible to use a single fiber having asingle RIP formed to enable perturbation (e.g., by micro-bending) of thebeam characteristics of beam 202 and also to enable conservation of theadjusted beam. Such a RIP may be similar to the RIPs shown in fibersillustrated in FIGS. 17, 18, and/or 19.

FIGS. 7-10 provide experimental results for VBC fiber 200 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) and illustrate further a beam response to perturbation ofVBC fiber 200 when a perturbation assembly 210 acts on VBC fiber 200 tobend the fiber. FIGS. 4-6 are simulations and FIGS. 7-10 areexperimental results wherein a beam from a SM 1050 nm source waslaunched into an input fiber (not shown) with a 40 micron core diameter.The input fiber was spliced to first length of fiber 204.

FIG. 4 is an example graph 400 illustrating the calculated profile ofthe lowest-order mode (LP₀₁) for a first length of fiber 204 fordifferent fiber bend radii 402, wherein a perturbation assembly 210involves bending VBC fiber 200. As the fiber bend radius is decreased,an optical beam propagating in VBC fiber 200 is adjusted such that themode shifts radially away from the center 404 of a VBC fiber 200 core(r=0 micron) toward the core/cladding interface (located at r=100 micronin this example). Higher-order modes (LP_(in)) also shift with bending.Thus, a straight or nearly straight fiber (very large bend radius),curve 406 for LP₀₁ is centered at or near the center of VBC fiber 200.At a bend radius of about 6 cm, curve 408 for LP₀₁ is shifted to aradial position of about 40 m from the center 404 of VBC fiber 200. At abend radius of about 5 cm, curve 410 for LP₀₁ is shifted to a radialposition about 50 μm from the center 404 of VBC fiber 200. At a bendradius of about 4 cm, curve 412 for LP₀₁ is shifted to a radial positionabout 60 μm from the center 406 of VBC fiber 200. At a bend radius ofabout 3 cm, curve 414 for LP₀₁ is shifted to a radial position about 80μm from the center 404 of VBC fiber 200. At a bend radius of about 2.5cm, a curve 416 for LP₀₁ is shifted to a radial position about 85 μmfrom the center 404 of VBC fiber 200. Note that the shape of the moderemains relatively constant (until it approaches the edge of the core),which is a specific property of a parabolic RIP. Although, this propertymay be desirable in some situations, it is not required for the VBCfunctionality, and other RIPs may be employed.

In an example, if VBC fiber 200 is straightened, LP₀₁ mode will shiftback toward the center of the fiber. Thus, the purpose of second lengthof fiber 208 is to “trap” or confine the adjusted intensity distributionof the beam in a confinement region that is displaced from the center ofthe VBC fiber 200. The splice between fibers 204 and 208 is included inthe bent region, thus the shifted mode profile will be preferentiallylaunched into one of the ring-shaped confinement regions 218 and 220 orbe distributed among the confinement regions. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustratethis effect.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example two-dimensional intensity distribution atjunction 206 within second length of fiber 208 when VBC fiber 200 isnearly straight. A significant portion of LP₀₁ and LP_(in) are withinconfinement region 216 of fiber 208. FIG. 6 illustrates thetwo-dimensional intensity distribution at junction 206 within secondlength of fiber 208 when VBC fiber 200 is bent with a radius chosen topreferentially excite confinement region 220 (the outermost confinementregion) of second length of fiber 208. A significant portion of LP₀₁ andLP_(in) are within confinement region 220 of fiber 208.

In an example, second length of fiber 208 confinement region 216 has a100 micron diameter, confinement region 218 is between 120 micron and200 micron in diameter, and confinement region 220 is between 220 micronand 300 micron diameter. Confinement regions 216, 218, and 220 areseparated by 10 um thick rings of fluorosilicate, providing an NA of0.22 for the confinement regions. Other inner and outer diameters forthe confinement regions, thicknesses of the rings separating theconfinement regions, NA values for the confinement regions, and numbersof confinement regions may be employed.

Referring again to FIG. 5, with the noted parameters, when VBC fiber 200is straight about 90% of the power is contained within the centralconfinement region 216, and about 100% of the power is contained withinconfinement regions 216 and 218. Referring now to FIG. 6, when fiber 200is bent to preferentially excite second ring confinement region 220,nearly 75% of the power is contained within confinement region 220, andmore than 95% of the power is contained within confinement regions 218and 220. These calculations include LP₀₁ and two higher-order modes,which is typical in some 2-4 kW fiber lasers.

It is clear from FIGS. 5 and 6 that in the case where a perturbationassembly 210 acts on VBC fiber 200 to bend the fiber, the bend radiusdetermines the spatial overlap of the modal intensity distribution ofthe first length of fiber 204 with the different guiding confinementregions (216, 218, and 220) of the second length of fiber 208. Changingthe bend radius can thus change the intensity distribution at the outputof the second length of fiber 208, thereby changing the diameter or spotsize of the beam, and thus also changing its radiance and BPP value.This adjustment of the spot size may be accomplished in an all-fiberstructure, involving no free-space optics and consequently may reduce oreliminate the disadvantages of free-space optics discussed above. Suchadjustments can also be made with other perturbation assemblies thatalter bend radius, bend length, fiber tension, temperature, or otherperturbations discussed below.

In a typical materials processing system (e.g., a cutting or weldingtool), the output of the process fiber is imaged at or near the workpiece by the process head. Varying the intensity distribution as shownin FIGS. 5 and 6 thus enables variation of the beam profile at the workpiece in order to tune and/or optimize the process, as desired. SpecificRIPs for the two fibers were assumed for the purpose of the abovecalculations, but other RIPs are possible, and claimed subject matter isnot limited in this regard.

FIGS. 7-10 depict experimental results (measured intensitydistributions) to illustrate further output beams for various bend radiiof VBC fiber 200 shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 7 when VBC fiber 200 is straight, the beam is nearly completelyconfined to confinement region 216. As the bend radius is decreased, theintensity distribution shifts to higher diameters (FIGS. 8-10). FIG. 8depicts the intensity distribution when the bend radius of VBC fiber 200is chosen to shift the intensity distribution preferentially toconfinement region 218. FIG. 9 depicts the experimental results when thebend radius is further reduced and chosen to shift the intensitydistribution outward to confinement region 220 and confinement region218. In FIG. 10, at the smallest bend radius, the beam is nearly a“donut mode”, with most of the intensity in the outermost confinementregion 220.

Despite excitation of the confinement regions from one side at thesplice junction 206, the intensity distributions are nearly symmetricazimuthally because of scrambling within confinement regions as the beampropagates within the VBC fiber 200. Although the beam will typicallyscramble azimuthally as it propagates, various structures orperturbations (e.g., coils) could be included to facilitate thisprocess.

For the fiber parameters used in the experiment shown in FIGS. 7-10,particular confinement regions were not exclusively excited because someintensity was present in multiple confinement regions. This feature mayenable advantageous materials processing applications that are optimizedby having a flatter or distributed beam intensity distribution. Inapplications requiring cleaner excitation of a given confinement region,different fiber RIPs could be employed to enable this feature.

The results shown in FIGS. 7-10 pertain to the particular fibers used inthis experiment, and the details will vary depending on the specifics ofthe implementation. In particular, the spatial profile and divergencedistribution of the output beam and their dependence on bend radius willdepend on the specific RIPs employed, on the splice parameters, and onthe characteristics of the laser source launched into the first fiber.

Different fiber parameters than those shown in FIG. 2 may be used andstill be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Specifically,different RIPs and core sizes and shapes may be used to facilitatecompatibility with different input beam profiles and to enable differentoutput beam characteristics. Example RIPs for the first length of fiber,in addition to the parabolic-index profile shown in FIG. 2, includeother graded-index profiles, step-index, pedestal designs (i.e., nestedcores with progressively lower refractive indices with increasingdistance from the center of the fiber), and designs with nested coreswith the same refractive index value but with various NA values for thecentral core and the surrounding rings. Example RIPs for the secondlength of fiber, in addition to the profile shown in FIG. 2, includeconfinement fibers with different numbers of confinement regions,non-uniform confinement-region thicknesses, different and/or non-uniformvalues for the thicknesses of the rings surrounding the confinementregions, different and/or non-uniform NA values for the confinementregions, different refractive-index values for the high-index andlow-index portions of the RIP, non-circular confinement regions (such aselliptical, oval, polygonal, square, rectangular, or combinationsthereof), as well as other designs as discussed in further detail withrespect to FIGS. 26-28. Furthermore, VBC fiber 200 and other examples ofa VBC fiber described herein are not restricted to use of two fibers. Insome examples, implementation may include use of one fiber or more thantwo fibers. In some cases, the fiber(s) may not be axially uniform; forexample, they could include fiber Bragg gratings or long-periodgratings, or the diameter could vary along the length of the fiber. Inaddition, the fibers do not have to be azimuthally symmetric, e.g., thecore(s) could have square or polygonal shapes. Various fiber coatings(buffers) may be employed, including high-index or index-matchedcoatings (which strip light at the glass-polymer interface) andlow-index coatings (which guide light by total internal reflection atthe glass-polymer interface). In some examples, multiple fiber coatingsmay be used on VBC fiber 200.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate cross-sectional views of examples of firstlengths of fiber for enabling adjustment of beam characteristics in aVBC fiber responsive to perturbation of an optical beam propagating inthe first lengths of fiber. Some examples of beam characteristics thatmay be adjusted in the first length of fiber are: beam diameter, beamdivergence distribution, BPP, intensity distribution, luminance, M²factor, NA, optical intensity profile, power density profile, radialbeam position, radiance, spot size, or the like, or any combinationthereof. The first lengths of fiber depicted in FIGS. 11-16 anddescribed below are merely examples and do not provide an exhaustiverecitation of the variety of first lengths of fiber that may be utilizedto enable adjustment of beam characteristics in a VBC fiber assembly.Selection of materials, appropriate RIPs, and other variables for thefirst lengths of fiber illustrated in FIGS. 11-16 at least depend on adesired beam output. A wide variety of fiber variables are contemplatedand are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, claimedsubject matter is not limited by examples provided herein.

In FIG. 11 first length of fiber 1100 comprises a step-index profile1102. FIG. 12 illustrates a first length of fiber 1200 comprising a“pedestal RIP” (i.e., a core comprising a step-index region surroundedby a larger step-index region) 1202. FIG. 13 illustrates first length offiber 1300 comprising a multiple-pedestal RIP 1302.

FIG. 14A illustrates first length of fiber 1400 comprising agraded-index profile 1418 surrounded by a down-doped region 1404. Whenthe fiber 1400 is perturbed, modes may shift radially outward in fiber1400 (e.g., during bending of fiber 1400). Graded-index profile 1402 maybe designed to promote maintenance or even compression of modal shape.This design may promote adjustment of a beam propagating in fiber 1400to generate a beam having a beam intensity distribution concentrated inan outer perimeter of the fiber (i.e., in a portion of the fiber corethat is displaced from the fiber axis). As described above, when theadjusted beam is coupled into a second length of fiber havingconfinement regions, the intensity distribution of the adjusted beam maybe trapped in the outermost confinement region, providing a donut shapedintensity distribution. A beam spot having a narrow outer confinementregion may be useful to enable certain material processing actions.

FIG. 14B illustrates first length of fiber 1406 comprising agraded-index profile 1414 surrounded by a down-doped region 1408 similarto fiber 1400. However, fiber 1406 includes a divergence structure 1410(a lower-index region) as can be seen in profile 1412. The divergencestructure 1410 is an area of material with a lower refractive index thanthat of the surrounding core. As the beam is launched into first lengthof fiber 1406, refraction from divergence structure 1410 causes the beamdivergence to increase in first length of fiber 1406. The amount ofincreased divergence depends on the amount of spatial overlap of thebeam with the divergence structure 1410 and the magnitude of the indexdifference between the divergence structure 1410 and the core material.Divergence structure 1410 can have a variety of shapes, depending on theinput divergence distribution and desired output divergencedistribution. In an example, divergence structure 1410 has a triangularor graded index shape.

FIG. 15 illustrates a first length of fiber 1500 comprising aparabolic-index central region 1502 surrounded by a constant-indexregion 1504, and the constant-index region 1504 is surrounded by alower-index annular layer 1506. The lower-index annulus 1506 helps guidea beam propagating in fiber 1500. When the propagating beam isperturbed, modes shift radially outward in fiber 1500 (e.g., duringbending of fiber 1500). As one or more modes shift radially outward,parabolic-index region 1502 promotes retention of modal shape. When themodes reach the constant-index region of the RIP 1510, they will becompressed against the low-index ring 1506, which may cause preferentialexcitation of the outermost confinement region in the second fiber (incomparison to the first fiber RIP shown in FIG. 14). In oneimplementation, this fiber design works with a confinement fiber havinga central step-index core and a single annular core. The parabolic-indexportion 1502 of the RIP overlaps with the central step-index core of theconfinement fiber. The constant-index portion 1504 overlaps with theannular core of the confinement fiber. The constant-index portion 1504of the first fiber is intended to make it easier to move the beam intooverlap with the annular core by bending. This fiber design also workswith other designs of the confinement fiber.

FIG. 16 illustrates a first length of fiber 1600 comprising guidingregions 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1616 bounded by lower-index layers 1610,1612, and 1614 where the indexes of the lower-index layers 1610, 1612,and 1614 are stepped or, more generally, do not all have the same value.The stepped-index layers may serve to bound the beam intensity tocertain guiding regions (1604, 1606, 1608, and 1616) when theperturbation assembly 210 (see FIG. 2) acts on the fiber 1600. In thisway, adjusted beam light may be trapped in the guiding regions over arange of perturbation actions (such as over a range of bend radii, arange of bend lengths, a range of micro-bending pressures, and/or arange of acousto-optical signals), allowing for a certain degree ofperturbation tolerance before a beam intensity distribution is shiftedto a more distant radial position in fiber 1600. Thus, variation in beamcharacteristics may be controlled in a step-wise fashion. The radialwidths of the guiding regions 1604, 1606, 1608, and 1616 may be adjustedto achieve a desired ring width, as may be required by an application.Also, a guiding region can have a thicker radial width to facilitatetrapping of a larger fraction of the incoming beam profile if desired.Region 1606 is an example of such a design.

FIGS. 17-21 depict examples of fibers configured to enable maintenanceand/or confinement of adjusted beam characteristics in the second lengthof fiber (e.g., fiber 208). These fiber designs are referred to as“ring-shaped confinement fibers” because they contain a central coresurrounded by annular or ring-shaped cores. These designs are merelyexamples and not an exhaustive recitation of the variety of fiber RIPsthat may be used to enable maintenance and/or confinement of adjustedbeam characteristics within a fiber. Thus, claimed subject matter is notlimited to the examples provided herein. Moreover, any of the firstlengths of fiber described above with respect to FIGS. 11-16 may becombined with any of the second length of fiber described FIGS. 17-21.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example second lengthof fiber for maintaining and/or confining adjusted beam characteristicsin a VBC fiber assembly. As the perturbed beam is coupled from a firstlength of fiber to second length of fiber 1700, the second length offiber 1700 may maintain at least a portion of the beam characteristicsadjusted in response to perturbation in the first length of fiber withinone or more of confinement regions 1704, 1706, and/or 1708. Fiber 1700has a RIP 1702. Each of confinement regions 1704, 1706, and/or 1708 isbounded by a lower index layer 1710 and/or 1712. This design enablessecond length of fiber 1700 to maintain the adjusted beamcharacteristics. As a result, a beam output by fiber 1700 willsubstantially maintain the received adjusted beam as modified in thefirst length of fiber giving the output beam adjusted beamcharacteristics, which may be customized to a processing task or otherapplication.

Similarly, FIG. 18 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example secondlength of fiber 1800 for maintaining and/or confining beamcharacteristics adjusted in response to perturbation in the first lengthof fiber in a VBC fiber assembly. Fiber 1800 has a RIP 1802. However,confinement regions 1808, 1810, and/or 1812 have different thicknessesthan confinement regions 1704, 1706, and 1708. Each of confinementregions 1808, 1810, and/or 1812 is bounded by a lower index layer 1804and/or 1806. Varying the thicknesses of the confinement regions (and/orbarrier regions) enables tailoring or optimization of a confinedadjusted radiance profile by selecting particular radial positionswithin which to confine an adjusted beam.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example second length offiber 1900 having a RIP 1902 for maintaining and/or confining anadjusted beam in a VBC fiber assembly configured to provide variablebeam characteristics. In this example, the number and thicknesses ofconfinement regions 1904, 1906, 1908, and 1910 are different from fiber1700 and 1800 and the barrier layers 1912, 1914, and 1916 are of variedthicknesses as well. Furthermore, confinement regions 1904, 1906, 1908,and 1910 have different indexes of refraction and barrier layers 1912,1914, and 1916 have different indexes of refraction as well. This designmay further enable a more granular or optimized tailoring of theconfinement and/or maintenance of an adjusted beam radiance toparticular radial locations within fiber 1900. As the perturbed beam islaunched from a first length of fiber to second length of fiber 1900 themodified beam characteristics of the beam (having an adjusted intensitydistribution, radial position, and/or divergence angle, or the like, ora combination thereof) is confined within a specific radius by one ormore of confinement regions 1904, 1906, 1908 and/or 1910 of secondlength of fiber 1900.

As noted previously, the divergence angle of a beam may be conserved oradjusted and then conserved in the second length of fiber. There are avariety of methods to change the divergence angle of a beam. Thefollowing are examples of fibers configured to enable adjustment of thedivergence angle of a beam propagating from a first length of fiber to asecond length of fiber in a fiber assembly for varying beamcharacteristics. However, these are merely examples and not anexhaustive recitation of the variety of methods that may be used toenable adjustment of divergence of a beam. Thus, claimed subject matteris not limited to the examples provided herein.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example second length offiber 2000 having RIP 2002 for modifying, maintaining, and/or confiningbeam characteristics adjusted in response to perturbation in the firstlength of fiber. In this example, second length of fiber 2000 is similarto the previously described second lengths of fiber and forms a portionof the VBC fiber assembly for delivering variable beam characteristicsas discussed above. There are three confinement regions 2004, 2006, and2008 and three barrier layers 2010, 2012, and 2016. Second length offiber 2000 also has a divergence structure 2014 situated within theconfinement region 2006. The divergence structure 2014 is an area ofmaterial with a lower refractive index than that of the surroundingconfinement region. As the beam is launched into second length of fiber2000 refraction from divergence structure 2014 causes the beamdivergence to increase in second length of fiber 2000. The amount ofincreased divergence depends on the amount of spatial overlap of thebeam with the divergence structure 2014 and the magnitude of the indexdifference between the divergence structure 2014 and the core material.By adjusting the radial position of the beam near the launch point intothe second length of fiber 2000, the divergence distribution may bevaried. The adjusted divergence of the beam is conserved in fiber 2000,which is configured to deliver the adjusted beam to the process head,another optical system (e.g., fiber-to-fiber coupler or fiber-to-fiberswitch), the work piece, or the like, or a combination thereof. In anexample, divergence structure 2014 may have an index dip of about10⁻⁵-3×10⁻² with respect to the surrounding material. Other values ofthe index dip may be employed within the scope of this disclosure andclaimed subject matter is not so limited.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example second length offiber 2100 having a RIP 2102 for modifying, maintaining, and/orconfining beam characteristics adjusted in response to perturbation inthe first length of fiber. Second length of fiber 2100 forms a portionof a VBC fiber assembly for delivering a beam having variablecharacteristics. In this example, there are three confinement regions2104, 2106, and 2108 and three barrier layers 2110, 2112, and 2116.Second length of fiber 2100 also has a plurality of divergencestructures 2114 and 2118. The divergence structures 2114 and 2118 areareas of graded lower index material. As the beam is launched from thefirst length fiber into second length of fiber 2100, refraction fromdivergence structures 2114 and 2118 causes the beam divergence toincrease. The amount of increased divergence depends on the amount ofspatial overlap of the beam with the divergence structure and themagnitude of the index difference between the divergence structure 2114and/or 2118 and the surrounding core material of confinement regions2106 and 2104 respectively. By adjusting the radial position of the beamnear the launch point into the second length of fiber 2100, thedivergence distribution may be varied. The design shown in FIG. 21allows the intensity distribution and the divergence distribution to bevaried somewhat independently by selecting both a particular confinementregion and the divergence distribution within that conferment region(because each confinement region may include a divergence structure).The adjusted divergence of the beam is conserved in fiber 2100, which isconfigured to deliver the adjusted beam to the process head, anotheroptical system, or the work piece. Forming the divergence structures2114 and 2118 with a graded or non-constant index enables tuning of thedivergence profile of the beam propagating in fiber 2100. An adjustedbeam characteristic such as a radiance profile and/or divergence profilemay be conserved as it is delivered to a process head by the secondfiber. Alternatively, an adjusted beam characteristic such as a radianceprofile and/or divergence profile may be conserved or further adjustedas it is routed by the second fiber through a fiber-to-fiber coupler(FFC) and/or fiber-to-fiber switch (FFS) and to a process fiber, whichdelivers the beam to the process head or the work piece.

FIGS. 26-28 are cross-sectional views illustrating examples of fibersand fiber RIPs configured to enable maintenance and/or confinement ofadjusted beam characteristics of a beam propagating in an azimuthallyasymmetric second length of fiber wherein the beam characteristics areadjusted responsive to perturbation of a first length of fiber coupledto the second length of fiber and/or perturbation of the beam by aperturbation device 110. These azimuthally asymmetric designs are merelyexamples and are not an exhaustive recitation of the variety of fiberRIPs that may be used to enable maintenance and/or confinement ofadjusted beam characteristics within an azimuthally asymmetric fiber.Thus, claimed subject matter is not limited to the examples providedherein. Moreover, any of a variety of first lengths of fiber (e.g., likethose described above) may be combined with any azimuthally asymmetricsecond length of fiber (e.g., like those described in FIGS. 26-28).

FIG. 26 illustrates RIPs at various azimuthal angles of a cross-sectionthrough an elliptical fiber 2600. At a first azimuthal angle 2602, fiber2600 has a first RIP 2604. At a second azimuthal angle 2606 that isrotated 45° from first azimuthal angle 2602, fiber 2600 has a second RIP2608. At a third azimuthal angle 2610 that is rotated another 45° fromsecond azimuthal angle 2606, fiber 2600 has a third RIP 2612. First,second and third RIPs 2604, 2608 and 2612 are all different.

FIG. 27 illustrates RIPs at various azimuthal angles of a cross-sectionthrough a multicore fiber 2700. At a first azimuthal angle 2702, fiber2700 has a first RIP 2704. At a second azimuthal angle 2706, fiber 2700has a second RIP 2708. First and second RIPs 2704 and 2708 aredifferent. In an example, perturbation device 110 may act in multipleplanes in order to launch the adjusted beam into different regions of anazimuthally asymmetric second fiber.

FIG. 28 illustrates RIPs at various azimuthal angles of a cross-sectionthrough a fiber 2800 having at least one crescent shaped core. In somecases, the corners of the crescent may be rounded, flattened, orotherwise shaped, which may minimize optical loss. At a first azimuthalangle 2802, fiber 2800 has a first RIP 2804. At a second azimuthal angle2806, fiber 2800 has a second RIP 2808. First and second RIPs 2804 and2808 are different.

FIG. 22A illustrates an example of a laser system 2200 including a VBCfiber assembly 2202 configured to provide variable beam characteristics.VBC fiber assembly 2202 comprises a first length of fiber 104, secondlength of fiber 108, and a perturbation device 110. VBC fiber assembly2202 is disposed between feeding fiber 2212 (i.e., the output fiber fromthe laser source) and VBC delivery fiber 2240. VBC delivery fiber 2240may comprise second length of fiber 108 or an extension of second lengthof fiber 108 that modifies, maintains, and/or confines adjusted beamcharacteristics. Beam 2210 is coupled into VBC fiber assembly 2202 viafeeding fiber 2212. Fiber assembly 2202 is configured to vary thecharacteristics of beam 2210 in accordance with the various examplesdescribed above. The output of fiber assembly 2202 is adjusted beam 2214which is coupled into VBC delivery fiber 2240. VBC delivery fiber 2240delivers adjusted beam 2214 to free-space optics assembly 2208, whichthen couples beam 2214 into a process fiber 2204. Adjusted beam 2214 isthen delivered to process head 2206 by process fiber 2204. The processhead can include guided wave optics (such as fibers and fiber coupler),free space optics such as lenses, mirrors, optical filters, diffractiongratings), beam scan assemblies such as galvanometer scanners, polygonalmirror scanners, or other scanning systems that are used to shape thebeam 2214 and deliver the shaped beam to a workpiece.

In laser system 2200, one or more of the free-space optics of assembly2208 may be disposed in an FFC or other beam coupler 2216 to perform avariety of optical manipulations of an adjusted beam 2214 (representedin FIG. 22A with different dashing than beam 2210). For example,free-space optics assembly 2208 may preserve the adjusted beamcharacteristics of beam 2214. Process fiber 2204 may have the same RIPas VBC delivery fiber 2240. Thus, the adjusted beam characteristics ofadjusted beam 2214 may be preserved all the way to process head 2206.Process fiber 2204 may comprise a RIP similar to any of the secondlengths of fiber described above, including confinement regions.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 22B, free-space optics assembly2208 may change the adjusted beam characteristics of beam 2214 by, forexample, increasing or decreasing the divergence and/or the spot size ofbeam 2214 (e.g., by magnifying or demagnifying beam 2214) and/orotherwise further modifying adjusted beam 2214. Furthermore, processfiber 2204 may have a different RIP than VBC delivery fiber 2240.Accordingly, the RIP of process fiber 2204 may be selected to preserveadditional adjustment of adjusted beam 2214 made by the free-spaceoptics of assembly 2208 to generate a twice adjusted beam 2224(represented in FIG. 22B with different dashing than beam 2214).

FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a laser system 2300 including VBCfiber assembly 2302 disposed between feeding fiber 2312 and VBC deliveryfiber 2340. During operation, beam 2310 is coupled into VBC fiberassembly 2302 via feeding fiber 2312. Fiber assembly 2302 includes afirst length of fiber 104, second length of fiber 108, and aperturbation device 110 and is configured to vary characteristics ofbeam 2310 in accordance with the various examples described above. Fiberassembly 2302 generates adjusted beam 2314 output by VBC delivery fiber2340. VBC delivery fiber 2340 comprises a second length of fiber 108 offiber for modifying, maintaining, and/or confining adjusted beamcharacteristics in a fiber assembly 2302 in accordance with the variousexamples described above (see FIGS. 17-21, for example). VBC deliveryfiber 2340 couples adjusted beam 2314 into beam switch (FFS) 2332, whichthen couples its various output beams to one or more of multiple processfibers 2304, 2320, and 2322. Process fibers 2304, 2320, and 2322 deliveradjusted beams 2314, 2328, and 2330 to respective process heads 2306,2324, and 2326.

In an example, beam switch 2332 includes one or more sets of free-spaceoptics 2308, 2316, and 2318 configured to perform a variety of opticalmanipulations of adjusted beam 2314. Free-space optics 2308, 2316, and2318 may preserve or vary adjusted beam characteristics of beam 2314.Thus, adjusted beam 2314 may be maintained by the free-space optics oradjusted further. Process fibers 2304, 2320, and 2322 may have the sameor a different RIP as VBC delivery fiber 2340, depending on whether itis desirable to preserve or further modify a beam passing from thefree-space optics assemblies 2308, 2316, and 2318 to respective processfibers 2304, 2320, and 2322. In other examples, one or more beamportions of beam 2310 are coupled to a workpiece without adjustment, ordifferent beam portions are coupled to respective VBC fiber assembliesso that beam portions associated with a plurality of beamcharacteristics can be provided for simultaneous workpiece processing.Alternatively, beam 2310 can be switched to one or more of a set of VBCfiber assemblies.

Routing adjusted beam 2314 through any of free-space optics assemblies2308, 2316, and 2318 enables delivery of a variety of additionallyadjusted beams to process heads 2306, 2324, and 2326. Therefore, lasersystem 2300 provides additional degrees of freedom for varying thecharacteristics of a beam, as well as switching the beam between processheads (“time sharing”) and/or delivering the beam to multiple processheads simultaneously (“power sharing”).

For example, free-space optics in beam switch 2332 may direct adjustedbeam 2314 to free-space optics assembly 2316 configured to preserve theadjusted characteristics of beam 2314. Process fiber 2304 may have thesame RIP as VBC delivery fiber 2340. Thus, the beam delivered to processhead 2306 will be a preserved adjusted beam 2314.

In another example, beam switch 2332 may direct adjusted beam 2314 tofree-space optics assembly 2318 configured to preserve the adjustedcharacteristics of adjusted beam 2314. Process fiber 2320 may have adifferent RIP than VBC delivery fiber 2340 and may be configured withdivergence altering structures as described with respect to FIGS. 20 and21 to provide additional adjustments to the divergence distribution ofbeam 2314. Thus, the beam delivered to process head 2324 will be a twiceadjusted beam 2328 having a different beam divergence profile thanadjusted beam 2314.

Process fibers 2304, 2320, and/or 2322 may comprise a RIP similar to anyof the second lengths of fiber described above, including confinementregions or a wide variety of other RIPs, and claimed subject matter isnot limited in this regard.

In yet another example, free-space optics switch 2332 may directadjusted beam 2314 to free-space optics assembly 2308 configured tochange the beam characteristics of adjusted beam 2314. Process fiber2322 may have a different RIP than VBC delivery fiber 2340 and may beconfigured to preserve (or alternatively further modify) the new furtheradjusted characteristics of beam 2314. Thus, the beam delivered toprocess head 2326 will be a twice adjusted beam 2330 having differentbeam characteristics (due to the adjusted divergence profile and/orintensity profile) than adjusted beam 2314.

In FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23, the optics in the FFC or FFS may adjust thespatial profile and/or divergence profile by magnifying or demagnifyingthe beam 2214 before launching into the process fiber. They may alsoadjust the spatial profile and/or divergence profile via other opticaltransformations. They may also adjust the launch position into theprocess fiber. These methods may be used alone or in combination.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23 merely provide examples of combinations ofadjustments to beam characteristics using free-space optics and variouscombinations of fiber RIPs to preserve or modify adjusted beams 2214 and2314. The examples provided above are not exhaustive and are meant forillustrative purposes only. Thus, claimed subject matter is not limitedin this regard.

FIG. 24 illustrates various examples of perturbation devices, assembliesor methods (for simplicity referred to collectively herein as“perturbation device 110”) for perturbing a VBC fiber 200 and/or anoptical beam propagating in VBC fiber 200 according to various examplesprovided herein. Perturbation device 110 may be any of a variety ofdevices, methods, and/or assemblies configured to enable adjustment ofbeam characteristics of a beam propagating in VBC fiber 200. In anexample, perturbation device 110 may be a mandrel 2402, a micro-bend2404 in the VBC fiber, flexible tubing 2406, an acousto-optic transducer2408, a thermal device 2410, a piezo-electric device 2412, a grating2414, a clamp 2416 (or other fastener), or the like, or any combinationthereof. These are merely examples of perturbation devices 110 and notan exhaustive listing of perturbation devices 110 and claimed subjectmatter is not limited in this regard.

Mandrel 2402 may be used to perturb VBC fiber 200 by providing a formabout which VBC fiber 200 may be bent. As discussed above, reducing thebend radius of VBC fiber 200 moves the intensity distribution of thebeam radially outward. In some examples, mandrel 2402 may be stepped orconically shaped to provide discrete bend radii levels. Alternatively,mandrel 2402 may comprise a cone shape without steps to providecontinuous bend radii for more granular control of the bend radius. Theradius of curvature of mandrel 2402 may be constant (e.g., a cylindricalform) or non-constant (e.g., an oval-shaped form). Similarly, flexibletubing 2406, clamps 2416 (or other varieties of fasteners), or rollers250 may be used to guide and control the bending of VBC fiber 200 aboutmandrel 2402. Furthermore, changing the length over which the fiber isbent at a particular bend radius also may modify the intensitydistribution of the beam. VBC fiber 200 and mandrel 2402 may beconfigured to change the intensity distribution within the first fiberpredictably (e.g., in proportion to the length over which the fiber isbent and/or the bend radius). Rollers 250 may move up and down along atrack 2442 on platform 2434 to change the bend radius of VBC fiber 200.

Clamps 2416 (or other fasteners) may be used to guide and control thebending of VBC fiber 200 with or without a mandrel 2402. Clamps 2416 maymove up and down along a track 2442 or platform 2446. Clamps 2416 mayalso swivel to change bend radius, tension, or direction of VBC fiber200. Controller 2448 may control the movement of clamps 2416.

In another example, perturbation device 110 may be flexible tubing 2406and may guide bending of VBC fiber 200 with or without a mandrel 2402.Flexible tubing 2406 may encase VBC fiber 200. Tubing 2406 may be madeof a variety of materials and may be manipulated using piezoelectrictransducers controlled by controller 2444. In another example, clamps orother fasteners may be used to move flexible tubing 2406.

Micro-bend 2404 in VBC fiber is a local perturbation caused by lateralmechanical stress on the fiber. Micro-bending can cause mode couplingand/or transitions from one confinement region to another confinementregion within a fiber, resulting in varied beam characteristics of thebeam propagating in a VBC fiber 200. Mechanical stress may be applied byan actuator 2436 that is controlled by controller 2440. However, this ismerely an example of a method for inducing mechanical stress in fiber200 and claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard.

Acousto-optic transducer (AOT) 2408 may be used to induce perturbationof a beam propagating in the VBC fiber using an acoustic wave. Theperturbation is caused by the modification of the refractive index ofthe fiber by the oscillating mechanical pressure of an acoustic wave.The period and strength of the acoustic wave are related to the acousticwave frequency and amplitude, allowing dynamic control of the acousticperturbation. Thus, a perturbation assembly 110 including AOT 2408 maybe configured to vary the beam characteristics of a beam propagating inthe fiber. In an example, piezo-electric transducer 2418 may create theacoustic wave and may be controlled by controller or driver 2420. Theacoustic wave induced in AOT 2408 may be modulated to change and/orcontrol the beam characteristics of the optical beam in VBC 200 inreal-time. However, this is merely an example of a method for creatingand controlling an AOT 2408 and claimed subject matter is not limited inthis regard.

Thermal device 2410 may be used to induce perturbation of a beampropagating in VBC fiber using heat. The perturbation is caused by themodification of the RIP of the fiber induced by heat. Perturbation maybe dynamically controlled by controlling an amount of heat transferredto the fiber and the length over which the heat is applied. Thus, aperturbation assembly 110 including thermal device 2410 may beconfigured to vary a range of beam characteristics. Thermal device 2410may be controlled by controller 2450.

Piezo-electric transducer 2412 may be used to induce perturbation of abeam propagating in a VBC fiber using piezoelectric action. Theperturbation is caused by the modification of the RIP of the fiberinduced by a piezoelectric material attached to the fiber. Thepiezoelectric material in the form of a jacket around the bare fiber mayapply tension or compression to the fiber, modifying its refractiveindex via the resulting changes in density. Perturbation may bedynamically controlled by controlling a voltage to the piezo-electricdevice 2412. Thus, a perturbation assembly 110 including piezo-electrictransducer 2412 may be configured to vary the beam characteristics overa particular range.

In an example, piezo-electric transducer 2412 may be configured todisplace VBC fiber 200 in a variety of directions (e.g., axially,radially, and/or laterally) depending on a variety of factors, includinghow the piezo-electric transducer 2412 is attached to VBC fiber 200, thedirection of the polarization of the piezo-electric materials, theapplied voltage, etc. Additionally, bending of VBC fiber 200 is possibleusing the piezo-electric transducer 2412. For example, driving a lengthof piezo-electric material having multiple segments comprising opposingelectrodes can cause a piezoelectric transducer 2412 to bend in alateral direction. Voltage applied to piezoelectric transducer 2412 byelectrode 2424 may be controlled by controller 2422 to controldisplacement of VBC fiber 200. Displacement may be modulated to changeand/or control the beam characteristics of the optical beam in VBC 200in real-time. However, this is merely an example of a method ofcontrolling displacement of a VBC fiber 200 using a piezo-electrictransducer 2412 and claimed subject matter is not limited in thisregard.

Gratings 2414 may be used to induce perturbation of a beam propagatingin a VBC fiber 200. A grating 2414 can be written into a fiber byinscribing a periodic variation of the refractive index into the core.Gratings 2414 such as fiber Bragg gratings can operate as opticalfilters or as reflectors. A long-period grating can induce transitionsamong co-propagating fiber modes. The radiance, intensity profile,and/or divergence profile of a beam comprised of one or more modes canthus be adjusted using a long-period grating to couple one or more ofthe original modes to one or more different modes having differentradiance and/or divergence profiles. Adjustment is achieved by varyingthe periodicity or amplitude of the refractive index grating. Methodssuch as varying the temperature, bend radius, and/or length (e.g.,stretching) of the fiber Bragg grating can be used for such adjustment.VBC fiber 200 having gratings 2414 may be coupled to stage 2426. Stage2426 may be configured to execute any of a variety of functions and maybe controlled by controller 2428. For example, stage 2426 may be coupledto VBC fiber 200 with fasteners 2430 and may be configured to stretchand/or bend VBC fiber 200 using fasteners 2430 for leverage. Stage 2426may have an embedded thermal device and may change the temperature ofVBC fiber 200.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example process 2500 for adjusting and/ormaintaining beam characteristics within a fiber without the use offree-space optics to adjust the beam characteristics. In block 2502, afirst length of fiber and/or an optical beam are perturbed to adjust oneor more optical beam characteristics. Process 2500 moves to block 2504,where the optical beam is launched into a second length of fiber.Process 2500 moves to block 2506, where the optical beam having theadjusted beam characteristics is propagated in the second length offiber. Process 2500 moves to block 2508, where at least a portion of theone or more beam characteristics of the optical beam are maintainedwithin one or more confinement regions of the second length of fiber.The first and second lengths of fiber may be comprised of the samefiber, or they may be different fibers.

In some examples, one or more variable beam characteristics can beadjusted in the above-described laser system when used for piercing andcutting a material in a short time scale. The material is initiallypierced by the laser system to produce a hole. The hole during theinitial pierce has a depth that at least partially extends into thematerial, but does not fully penetrate through the material. During theinitial pierce, the laser system emits a laser beam having a first setof beam characteristics that provides for a high intensity laser beam toforce material out of the top of the hole. The pierce is complete whenthe laser beam fully passes through the hole. The material that isremoved is then ejected out from the bottom of the hole. The lasersystem can then be configured to emit the laser beam with a second setof variables that are different from the first set. Thus, the same lasersystem can be used for both the piercing and cutting by perturbing thefirst length of fiber, the second length of fiber, or both, whichresults in different variable beam characteristics. For example, the oneor more variable beam characteristics can include, but are not limitedto, a beam diameter, a divergence distribution, a beam parameter product(BPP), an intensity distribution, a luminance, a M² value, a numericalaperture (NA), an optical intensity, a power density, a radial beamposition, a radiance, a spot size, or any combination thereof. Theabove-described laser system can be continuously varied across thesesettings.

In one non-limiting example, the beam characteristics can be adjustedfor piercing and cutting a thick material. A material can be consideredthick if the thickness is greater than or equal to about 0.5 inches. Tocut, for example, a thick material, the laser system operates in threestages, an initial pierce stage, a middle transition stage, and a finalcut stage. Each of the three stages may require different beamcharacteristics to achieve the desired cutting time, edge quality, orother parameter. In some examples, the laser system can be configured tomove a focus location of the laser beam and control material removalduring the piercing and cutting process. According to the disclosedembodiments, the thick material can be pierced by modulating the laserbeam, wherein modulating the laser includes adjusting theabove-described one or more variable beam characteristics. During thepierce stage, the laser system is configured to emit a smaller spot toproduce a high intensity laser beam to force material out the top of thehole. The hole is used to initiate the cut until the laser beam hasfully passed through the material being cut. After piercing, material isejected out through the bottom of the hole. Depending on the thicknessof the material being cut, the one or more variable beam parameters canbe modified as the material is being pierced with the laser. After theinitial pierce stage, the laser system enters the middle transitionstage where the laser system is configured to change the one or morevariable beam characteristics that can provide for an optimum beamparameter for cutting over a transition distance between the pierce andcut phase. After the transition stage, the laser system enters the finalcutting stage where the laser system emits a beam having a larger spotthan the spot used during the piercing stage, and optionally and/oradditionally, a beam having different one or more variable beamcharacteristics that are used to pierce the material. Thus, a second anddifferent beam size/shape and divergence can be used for cutting. Thelaser system using the techniques described herein can reduce materialpiercing and/or cutting times and improve transition times overconventional cutting techniques.

In conventional laser cutting systems, the power of the laser system mayneed to be adjusted when the speed of the laser system is decreased byany significant amount as determined from an ideal recipe for aparticular cut. By one non-limiting example, the laser power may bereduced when cutting corners. This is done either by modulation or powerreduction of the laser beam, as the active heating rate on the materialbegins to increase as the velocity of the system reduces. In otherwords, as the active heating rate increases, the laser power is notmodulated as the laser system slows down the cut. The same amount ofenergy is deposited into the workpiece, but with the tool travelling ata slower speed. This means that more energy per unit volume is beingdeposited into the workpiece and the workpiece will heat up, sometimeswith very negative effects, such as HAZ (heat affected zone), burning inthe kerf, mis-shapen kerf profiles. To counter this, energy reductioncan be used that is tied to the speed of the tool, to maintain arelatively constant energy per unit volume per unit time.

The present laser system allows active adjustment of the one or morevariable beam characteristics depending on features that could cause thetool to slow down to optimize the heating input. The features caninclude, but are not limited to, cutting a small radius, cutting a sharpcorner, and exact stop in cutting, accelerating the cutting process fromthe initial pierce, and decelerating the tool to the end of a cut.

The present laser system allows for cutting materials of different typesand thickness and at different cutting speed regimes by adjusting theone or more variable beam characteristics. Different speed regimesusually relate to the type of cutting taking place. This means thatthere are many different processes available, including type of metal,thickness of metal, and assist gas being used during the cut. Forexample, in a 4 kW cutting system, typical cut speeds of ¾ inch mildsteel with oxygen assist is around 0.9 m/min. For the same laser power,typical cut speeds for 0.04 inch stainless steel with nitrogen assistcan easily be at the upper limits of the laser system's speed, around80-90 m/min. These two examples show two very different speed regimes.

Another exemplary process is for high speed cutting using the presentlaser system during a trimming cut (dividing a single large plate ofmaterial into smaller, more manageable pieces). In this process, goodedge quality may not be as important for the customer. For this process,a beam profile can be selected that maximizes material removal rate butresults in poorer edge quality. Thus, reducing processing costs andincreasing productivity.

It is known that as material thickness increases, a wider kerf istypically needed for effective material removal during cutting. Thewider kerf can partially be achieved through a focus adjustment toincrease the laser spot dimensions, however, this negatively affectsedge quality of cut. Another way to increase the laser spot dimension isto physically change the optics in the cutting head to magnify the beam.Doing so, however, is a tedious process and can introduce contaminationof the free-space optics in the cutting head. In contrast, the presentsystem can actively modify the focused beam dimensions at the workpiece, enabling the user to change the laser spot characteristics asneeded for more efficient material ejection through the wider kerf. Thisallows a job shop to rapidly process and switch between multiplematerial thicknesses with no physical adjustments to the cutting head.

FIG. 29 shows a laser processing system during a pierce 2900, where thelaser beam first cuts a hole through the material, according to examplesof the present disclosure. During the pierce stage, a laser beam 2910emerging from a final optical element 2905, such as a focusing optic, ofthe laser system, such as the laser system discussed above, is directedto a target area 2920 of a material 2915 being cut. The material 2915,such as metal, is forced out of the top of the hole until the beam hasfully pierced the part. In some examples, the best results can beachieved by using a small, high intensity spot to cause vaporization ofmaterial and shock waves that push the molten metal out of a hole 2925.This can be done by moving the optical element 2905, as indicated by thearrow in FIG. 29, modulating the laser power, and also adjusting the oneor more beam characteristics, such as spot size, divergence and spotshape during drilling.

FIG. 30 shows laser processing during a transition from the pierce to acut 3000, according to examples of the present disclosure After thepierce (hole creation) by the process of FIG. 29 and shown as region 12925, the laser system starts to move into cutting in a lineardirection. During this transition, the laser system accelerates from astop position to full speed. During the transition from zone 1 2925 tozone 2 2930 to zone 3 2935, the beam can be optimized in, for example,beam size, shape, and/or divergence to provide optimum heatingconditions at each zone, such that a more optimum process time, and moreoptimum lead in (the length of material between zone 1 2925 to zone 42940) to reach the optimized speed at zone 4 2940.

FIG. 31 shows laser processing once cutting has been stabilized 3100,according to examples of the present disclosure. Once at the optimumsystem speed, the cutting is stabilized using the optimum beamparameters for this process.

In some examples, the laser cutting can use an assist gas that is usedto transport the molten material away from the kerf. The laser cuttingprocess can be accelerated by directing a stream of high velocity assistgas, e.g., air, at the laser beam impingement area of the material. Inthe case of cutting a material in sheet or plate form, the moltenmaterial is blown through the cut by the assist gas. This blowing actionreduces the availability of the material inside the kerf forresolidification or laser energy absorption, thus accelerating thecutting process. The assist gas stream can be provided by means of a gasnozzle having an orifice that is larger than the focused laser beam,located near the focal point of the beam, coaxial to the beam, anddisposed so that the direction of the gas stream is normal to thesurface of the material being cut.

FIG. 32 shows a plot of temperature versus dimension in view of thelaser spot travel direction. Optimized cutting relies on maintaining thetemperature of the material at the cut front of the beam.

FIG. 33 shows a plot of temperature versus dimension when the lasersystem cuts corners in the material. When cutting tight corners orfeatures, the system has to slow down (decelerate) and then speed backup (accelerate) to the optimal speeds. During this transition the amountof laser energy per time increases in that area which can heat the metalabove its optimum cutting temperature. It can also cause Heat AffectedZones (HAZ) that are larger than the optimum cutting temperatureaffecting the kerf width and edge quality. HAZ is a physical parameterthat is measurable after the cut is complete, usually by a discolorationor chemical/physical alteration on either boundary of the cut. HAZ canalso affect the chemical or physical strength/properties of the cutboundary due to being overheated, resulting in the need forpost-processing steps.

FIG. 34 shows a plot of temperature versus dimension when the lasersystem cuts corners in the material and the beam parameters in the lasersystem are controlled in a way that optimizes the metal temperaturethroughout the cutting region to its optimum, providing the leastheat-affected zone and best cutting quality and speed.

FIG. 35 shows a method 3500 of cutting a material using the laser,according to examples of the present disclosure. The method 3500 canbegin by providing, at 3505, an optical beam propagating within a firstlength of fiber to adjust one or more beam characteristics of the laserbeam in the first length of fiber or a second length of fiber or acombination thereof. The one or more beam characteristics can comprise abeam diameter, a divergence distribution, a beam parameter product(BPP), an intensity distribution, a luminance, a M² value, a numericalaperture (NA), an optical intensity, a power density, a radial beamposition, a radiance, a spot size, or any combination thereof.

The method 3500 continues by coupling, at 3510, the provided laser beaminto the second length of fiber. The method 3500 continues bymaintaining, at 3515, at least a portion of one or more adjusted beamcharacteristics within the second length of fiber having at least oneconfinement region. In some examples, the one or more beamcharacteristics can be pre-programmed into the control system and/or thelaser system. The method 3500 continues by directing, at 3520, theprovided laser beam from the second length of fiber to a target locationon the material to pierce a depth of the material, wherein the perturbedlaser beam has a first characteristic spot size, divergence, spatialprofile, divergence profile, or combinations thereof at the targetlocation during piercing. By way of a non-limiting example, the providedlaser beam has a first diameter at the target location during piercing.The method 3500 continues by determining, at 3525, that the providedlaser beam has reached a predetermined and/or threshold depth of thematerial at the target location. In some examples, the predeterminedand/or threshold depth of the provided laser beam can be determinedbased on a sensor, i.e., an optical sensor, or a recipe that takes intoaccount one or more properties of the material being cut including athickness of the material and the type of material and/or one or moreproperties of the perturbed laser beam. In some examples, an end portionof the second length of fiber, aka a cutting head, can include a sensorthat is configured to measure stray light that is reflected of thematerial being cut. During the cutting process, if there is a change incutting conditions, such as a failed cut, the sensor can detect thereflected light and send a signal to the control system and/or the lasersystem to adjust one or more parameters in the cutting process, such asreducing a cutting speed to regain the cut and/or adjusting the laserbeam to make the spot size of the laser beam smaller to increase thepower intensity to regain the cut before resuming normal cuttingoperations once the cut has been regained.

The method 3500 continues by perturbing, at 3530, the laser beam tochange the first characteristic spot size, divergence, spatial profile,divergence profile, or combinations thereof to a second characteristicspot size, divergence, spatial profile, divergence profile, orcombinations thereof based on the determining to cut the material. Byway of a non-limiting example, the laser beam is perturbed to change thefirst diameter to a second diameter that is larger than the firstdiameter. In some examples, the second length of fiber can be perturbedby a perturbation device, as discussed above, such as a mandrel, amicro-bend in the VBC fiber, flexible tubing, an acousto-optictransducer, a thermal device, a piezo-electric device, a grating, aclamp (or other fastener), or the like, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, subsequent to the perturbing, at 3530, the laser beamto change the first diameter to a second diameter, the method 3500 caninclude moving the perturbed laser beam with the second diameterrelative to the target location to cut the material in a cut direction,wherein the moving comprises modulating the one or more beamcharacteristics of the perturbed laser beam. In some examples, the cutdirection can be a linear direction, an arc-like direction, and/or amovement along a radius. In some examples, the modulating can compriseoptimizing a speed at which the material is moved relative to theperturbed laser beam to perform a cut. In some examples, the modulatingthe one or more beam characteristic can be performed by optimizing atemperature of the material during cutting.

In some examples, the method 3500 can include changing a speed at whichthe material is cut based on a change in the cut direction.

In some examples, the control system can be configured to move the laserbeam relative to the target location to cut the material in a cutdirection. For example, the laser can be moved using a variety ofmethods including, but are not limited to: a cutting head fixed to anXYZ gantry system, a cutting head fixed to a moveable Z gantry with thematerial being cut (target piece) moving in XY relative to the cuttinghead, a fixed target with a cutting head on a multi-axis robot forremote cutting, a fixed target with a scanner-based delivery systemfixed to a moveable XYZ gantry system, a fixed target with ascanner-based system mounted to a multi-axis robot, and a fixedscanner-based system with the target mobile in XYZ relative to thescanner. In some examples, the control system is configured to controlthe one or more beam characteristics of the laser beam while the opticalbeam is moved relative to the material. For example, the control systemcan send a control signal to the perturbation device to perturb thefirst length of fiber, the second length of fiber, or both. In someexamples, the control system is configured to optimize a speed at whichthe material is moved relative to the laser beam to perform a cut. Insome examples, the control system is configured to change a speed atwhich the material is cut based on a change in the cut direction. Insome examples, the control system is configured to optimize the laserbeam to maintain a temperature of the material during cutting.

FIGS. 36-40 shows screen shots of a display of a control system of thelaser system showing various adjustable parameters of the laser system,according to examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 36 shows a screenshot of a menu of options that can be used during the piercing process.The menu of options can include, but are not limited to, a pierce mode,a pierce dwell time, laser power settings, laser operating parameterssuch as frequency and duty cycle, Z hold distance, nozzle standoff, andassist gas parameters. FIGS. 37 and 38 show screen shots of a menu ofoptions that can be used during the cutting process. The menu of optionscan include, but are not limited to, laser power, frequency, duty cycle,federate, pre-cut dwell, kerf width, power burst time, nozzle standoff,and assist gas parameters. FIG. 39 shows a screen shot of a menu ofoptions that can be used during a rapid pierce process. The menu ofoptions can include, but are not limited to, laser power, frequency,duty cycle, nozzle standoff, pierce time, cool time, airbase on/offtime, and assist gas parameters. FIG. 40 show a screen shot of a menu ofoptions for the laser beam focus parameters. The laser beam focusparameters can include, but are not limited to, ramp from/to, cut focus,and nozzle tip types.

FIG. 41 shows a block diagram of a system 4100, according to examples ofthe present disclosure. The system 4100 can include subsystem includinga measurement system 4105, a control system 4110, and a laser system4115. The subsystems can be electronically connected or coupled togetheras indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 41. The measurement system 4105can include a separate laser system than the laser system that performsthe cutting operation discussed above. The separate laser system canalso be connected to or coupled to the moveable gantry to controlposition of the material being cut. The measurement system 4105 canmeasure distances between the material being cut and the laser systemthat performs the cutting. The laser system 4115 can include the lasersystem that performs the cutting as discussed above. The control system4110 can include a display, such as the display as shown in FIGS. 36-40,which can be used to control operation of the measurement system 4105and the laser system 4115.

Having described and illustrated the general and specific principles ofexamples of the presently disclosed technology, it should be apparentthat the examples may be modified in arrangement and detail withoutdeparting from such principles. We claim all modifications and variationcoming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of cutting a material using a laser, the methodcomprising: providing a laser beam propagating within a first length offiber to adjust one or more beam characteristics of the laser beam inthe first length of fiber or a second length of fiber or a combinationthereof; coupling the provided laser beam into the second length offiber; maintaining at least a portion of one or more adjusted beamcharacteristics within the second length of fiber having at least oneconfinement region; directing the provided laser beam from the secondlength of fiber to a target location on the material to pierce a depthof the material, wherein the provided laser beam has a firstcharacteristic spot size, divergence, spatial profile, divergenceprofile, or any combination thereof at the target location duringpiercing; determining that the provided laser beam has reached apredetermined depth of the material at the target location; andperturbing the provided laser beam to change the first characteristicspot size, divergence, spatial profile, divergence profile, orcombinations thereof to a second characteristic spot size, divergence,spatial profile, divergence profile, or any combination thereof based onthe determining to cut the material.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe one or more beam characteristics comprise a beam diameter, adivergence distribution, a beam parameter product (BPP), an intensitydistribution, a luminance, a M² value, a numerical aperture (NA), anoptical intensity, a power density, a radial beam position, a radiance,a spot size, or any combination thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1,subsequent to the perturbing the laser beam to change the firstcharacteristic to the second characteristic, moving the perturbed laserbeam with the second characteristic relative to the target location tocut the material in a cut direction.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinthe moving comprises modulating the one or more beam characteristics ofthe perturbed laser beam.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein themodulating comprises optimizing a speed at which either the material ismoved relative to the perturbed laser beam or the perturbed laser beamis moved relative to the material to perform a cut.
 6. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising changing a speed at which the material iscut based on a change in the cut direction.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the modulating the one or more beam characteristics is performedby optimizing a temperature of the material during cutting.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising providing an assist gas to thetarget location to assist in removal of debris from the material, or addenergy to the cut, or any combination thereof.
 9. A system for cutting amaterial using a laser, the system comprising: a laser device comprisinga first length of fiber comprising a first refractive index profile(RIP) formed to enable modification of one or more beam characteristicsof an laser beam by a perturbation device and a second length of fiberhaving a second RIP coupled to the first length of fiber, the second RIPformed to confine at least a portion of the modified beamcharacteristics of the laser beam within one or more confinementregions, wherein the first RIP and the second RIP are different, whereinthe laser device is configured to direct the laser beam to a targetlocation on the material to pierce a depth of the material by perturbingone or more beam characteristics of the laser beam; and a control systemconfigured to change the first characteristic of the one or more beamcharacteristics to a second characteristic.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the one or more beam characteristics comprise a beam diameter, adivergence distribution, a beam parameter product (BPP), an intensitydistribution, a luminance, a M² value, a numerical aperture (NA), anoptical intensity, a power density, a radial beam position, a radiance,a spot size, or any combination thereof.
 11. The system of claim 9,wherein the control system is configured to move the laser beam relativeto the target location to cut the material in a cut direction.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured to controlthe one or more beam characteristics of the laser beam while the laserbeam is moved relative to the material.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the control system is configured to optimize a speed at whichthe material is moved relative to the laser beam to perform a cut. 14.The system of claim 12, wherein the control system is configured tochange a speed at which the material is cut based on a change in the cutdirection.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the control system isconfigured to optimize the laser beam to maintain a temperature of thematerial during cutting.
 16. The system of claim 9, further comprising asupport structure configured to support the material.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, further comprising an actuation unit configured to actuate thesupport structure in one or more degrees of freedom.
 18. The system ofclaim 9, further comprising an assist gas supply configured to providean assist gas to the target location to assist in removal of debris fromthe material, or add energy to the cut, or any combinations thereof.